Cybersecurity
Botnet
Definition
A botnet is a network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge, e.g., to send spam or launch DDoS attacks.
Why It Matters
Botnets are the massive, distributed engines that power many large-scale cyberattacks. By controlling thousands or even millions of compromised machines, attackers can amplify their impact significantly.
Contextual Example
An attacker uses a botnet of 100,000 compromised home routers and IoT devices to launch a massive DDoS attack against a bank, overwhelming its servers and taking its website offline.
Common Misunderstandings
- The individual infected machines are known as "bots" or "zombies".
- The attacker controls the botnet through a "command and control" (C&C) server.